Unai Emery has offered Aston Villa fans an injury update ahead of their clash against Everton, with Ollie Watkins being a particular focus.
Villa return to Premier League action on Saturday as they face down Everton at Villa Park.
There will no doubt be an expectation that the hosts will take all three points after the Toffees’ poor start to the campaign.
However, there were fears going into the game about the fitness of multiple key players after knocks in the international break.
Therefore, in the build-up to the game, Emery was able to provide an update on the fitness of three key stars, including Watkins.
Ollie Watkins injury update
Villa’s star man has had a difficult start to the 2024/25 campaign. Against Leicester City, Watkins was accused of ‘being unfit’ after failing to find the net again.
Upon the international break commencing, the striker did not travel with England after picking up a knock.
This struck concern with the Villa Park faithful, especially as their Champions League campaign kickstarts on Tuesday.
However, ahead of their clash with Everton, Emery has confirmed that Watkins has returned to training and will be available to play on Saturday.
The Villa manager said: “He is progressing, getting better, feeling better and is in the squad. For tomorrow, he will be available to play.”
Expected return: Everton (September 14)
Ezri Konsa injury update
Villa’s second England international also suffered a scare in the break. While Ezri Konsa did travel with the Three Lions squad, he was forced off against Finland just after the hour mark.
With Emery having few players who can play centre-back, it no doubt caused concern for the club.
However, coming into the Everton clash, the Villa manager has confirmed that Konsa will be kit for the tie.
Expected return: Everton (September 14)
Read more: How to watch Aston Villa vs Everton.
Matty Cash injury update
The last player on this list is Matty Cash. The right-back has been a consistent feature in the Villa squad since Emery’s appointment.
However, Cash was forced off injured in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal as it appeared that he was clutching his hamstring.
While the injury is not believed to be severe, he was still expected to be out of action for at least a month.
Now, after the international break, Emery has confirmed that Cash is still not fit and will not take part in the Everton match.
Expected return: Ipswich Town (September 29)
